Tag: Politics

Time to Move On? Starmer secures new agreement with EU

UK secures new agreement with the European Union to ‘support British businesses, back British jobs, and put more money in people’s pockets’

  • UK secures new agreement with the European Union to support British businesses, back British jobs, and put more money in people’s pockets.
  • Package will help make food cheaper, slash red tape, open up access to the EU market and add nearly £9 billion to the UK economy by 2040.
  • PM hails agreement as ‘good for jobs, good for bills, and good for our borders’.

The Prime Minister has today confirmed a new agreement with the European Union which will deliver on his core mission to grow the economy, back British jobs and put more money in people’s pockets.

Extensive negotiations over the last six months have led to the third major deal struck by the government in as many weeks, following the US and India – which the Prime Minister says will be “good for jobs, good for bills and good for our borders”.

As part of the deal, a new SPS agreement will make it easier for food and drink to be imported and exported by reducing the red tape that placed burdens on businesses and led to lengthy lorry queues at the border. This agreement will have no time limit, giving vital certainty to businesses.

Some routine checks on animal and plant products will be removed completely, allowing goods to flow freely again, including between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Ultimately this could lower food prices and increase choice on supermarket shelves – meaning more money in people’s pockets. 

The EU is the UK’s largest trading partner. After the 21% drop in exports and 7% drop in imports seen since Brexit, the UK will also be able to sell various products, such as burgers and sausages, back into the EU again, supporting these vital British industries.

Closer co-operation on emissions through linking our respective Emissions Trading Systems will improve the UK’s energy security and avoid businesses being hit by the EU’s carbon tax due to come in next year – which would have sent £800 million directly to the EU’s budget.

Combined, the SPS and Emissions Trading Systems linking measures alone are set to add nearly £9 billion to the UK economy by 2040, in a huge boost for growth.

British steel exports are protected from new EU rules and restrictive tariffs, through a bespoke arrangement for the UK that will save UK steel £25 million per year.  

The UK will enter talks about access to EU facial images data for the first time, on top of the existing arrangements for DNA, fingerprint and vehicle registration data. This will enhance our ability to catch dangerous criminals and ensure they face justice more quickly. 

British holidaymakers will be able to use more eGates in Europe, ending the dreaded queues at border control. Pets will also be able to travel more easily, with the introduction of ‘pet passports’ for UK cats and dogs – eliminating the need for animal health certificates for every trip.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer will say: “It’s time to look forward. To move on from the stale old debates and political fights to find common sense, practical solutions which get the best for the British people.

“We’re ready to work with partners if it means we can improve people’s lives here at home.

“So that’s what this deal is all about – facing out into the world once again, in the great tradition of this nation. Building the relationships we choose, with the partners we choose, and closing deals in the national interest. Because that is what independent, sovereign nations do.”

Today will also see the agreement of the new Security and Defence Partnership, which will pave the way for the UK defence industry to participate in the EU’s proposed new £150 billion Security Action for Europe (SAFE) defence fund – supporting thousands of British jobs and boosting growth.

At a time of increasing global uncertainty and volatility, this will formalise UK-EU co-operation on defence to ensure Europe’s safety and security.

Minister for European Union Relations and lead Government negotiator, Nick Thomas-Symonds said: “Today is a historic day, marking the opening of a new chapter in our relationship with the EU that delivers for working people across the UK.

“Since the start of these negotiations, we have worked for a deal to make the British people safer, more secure and more prosperous. Our new UK-EU Strategic Partnership achieves all three objectives.

“It delivers on jobs, bills and borders. Today is a day of delivery. Britain is back on the world stage with a Government in the service of working people.”

The UK and the EU have also agreed to co-operate further on a youth experience scheme – which could see young people able to work and travel freely in Europe again. The scheme, which would be capped and time-limited, would mirror existing schemes the UK has with countries such as Australia and New Zealand.

The Prime Minister is clear that bringing down migration remains an absolute priority for him, which is why today’s agreement also majors on further work on finding solutions to tackle illegal migration – including on returns and a joint commitment to tackle channel crossings.

The UK and EU have also reached a new twelve year agreement that protects Britain’s fishing access, fishing rights and fishing areas with no increase in the amount of fish EU vessels can catch in British waters, providing stability and certainty for the sector.

The UK will also back coastal communities by investing £360 million into our fishing industry to go towards new technology and equipment to modernise the fleet, training to help upskill the workforce, and funding to help revitalise coastal communities, support tourism and boost seafood exports.

The British fleet will also benefit from the SPS agreement which slashes costs and red tape to help exports.

This agreement meets the red lines set out in the government’s manifesto – no return to the single market, no return to the customs union, and no return to freedom of movement.

The UK will continue to hold talks with the European Union on the details of each commitment.

‘Deal is a Horror Show for Scottish Fishermen’

Elspeth Macdonald, chief executive of the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation, said: “This deal is a horror show for Scottish fishermen, far worse than Boris Johnson’s botched Brexit agreement.

“It is clear that Sir Keir Starmer made the whole deal on the backs of our fishermen and coastal communities, granting EU vessels 12 years of continuous access to UK waters at the last minute in order secure other objectives.

“This highlights the total indifference of the British political establishment to the interests of our fishing sector, with Sir Keir becoming the third prime minister after Edward Heath and Johnson to betray the industry.

“Any attempt by either the UK or EU to portray the new deal as a continuation of existing arrangements would be a lie, because in fact the Trade and Co-operation Agreement paved the way for annual access negotiations from 2026.

“At the weekend, Sir Keir said the deal would be measured against how much it would improve job prospects and allow our communities to flourish.

“Giving away a national asset such as our rich and healthy fishing grounds for no discernible benefit not only fails both of these tests, but is a disgrace that will ensure the enmity of this proud industry for many years to come.”

“This is a historic step towards greater choice and protection for dying Scots”

Scotland’s Assisted Dying Bill clears first hurdle in Holyrood vote

The Scottish parliament has voted in favour of Liam McArthur MSP’s Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults Bill. MSPs backed the Bill in a Holyrood vote last night. A majority of MSPs (70) supported the Bill, with 56 voting against.

This marks a significant shift in support since 2015, the last time a Bill on assisted dying came before the Parliament, and reflects the overwhelming public support for the introduction of the choice.

In-depth polling has shown that more than three-quarters of the Scottish public believe that the law should change, with majority support in every constituency in the country.

The Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill would make the choice of assisted dying legal for terminally ill, mentally competent adults, alongside excellent end-of-life care.

Last night’s vote brings safe and compassionate choice at the end of life closer than ever before for dying Scots, say jubilant campaigners.

Welcoming the result, Ally Thomson, Director of Dignity in Dying Scotland , said: “This is a watershed moment for compassion. MSPs have today taken a historic step towards greater choice and protection for dying people. The Scottish Parliament has listened to dying people and is reflecting their views.

“Many will be feeling overwhelming relief and gratitude that today our country has moved towards a safer and more compassionate law. So many people have stood up and spoken out about the harrowing suffering their loved ones endured as they died.  While this is too late for them, it is now an enduring part of their legacy and testament to their courage in calling for change.

“Liam Mc Arthur MSP has been an incredible advocate for dignity and choice at the end of life. He has led this debate with respect, compassion and integrity, and will do so as the Bill progresses through the following stages.

“Significant though this moment is, in the months ahead we will join him in working with MSP colleagues on the amending stages to ensure that a new law is as robust as it can possibly be.

“Today, MSPs have voted for choice, safety and compassion. They have expressed the will of the majority of Scottish people and have made history. Now we must make the choice of assisted dying a reality.”

Minister condemns ‘devastating’ UK migration proposals

UK Government urged to work with Scottish Government on plans

The Equalities Minister Kaukab Stewart has urged the UK Government to rethink its immigration white paper to take account of Scotland’s distinct population needs.

Following publication of new proposals from the Home Office on immigration, the Scottish Government has called on the UK Government to take account of its own proposals on immigration.

The Minister said the UK Government must engage the Scottish Government on its immigration policy, reflecting that migration enriches Scotland’s communities, supports economic growth and addresses population challenges.

Equalities Minister Kaukab Stewart said: “The UK Government’s plans on migration stand in stark contrast to our values and they do not reflect Scotland’s distinct population needs.

“The Scottish Government is proud to welcome and support people from around the world to live, work and build their lives in Scotland. Not only does migration enrich our communities and culture, it is vital for economic growth, public services like the NHS and addressing our population challenges.  

“Scotland needs talented and committed people from across the world to live, work and study here without excessive barriers.

“A one-size fits all approach to immigration fails to meet the needs of Scotland and much of the UK. In particular, any plans to end international recruitment of care workers will be devastating for the care sector in Scotland and across the UK.

“We are deeply disappointed that the UK Government’s white paper on immigration fails to take on board our proposals to help meet Scotland’s distinct demographic and economic requirements.

“I call on the Home Secretary to urgently work with us to deliver an immigration system which is reflective of Scotland’s needs, and avoids the harm to our economy, communities, and public services which the policy decisions in the white paper will lead to.

“If it does not, then it becomes ever clearer that Scotland needs full powers over immigration. Independence would give Scotland control over migration policy and provide an opportunity to introduce a new, welcoming immigration system that supports our economy and public services.”

In March, the Scottish Government provided a set of policy proposals to the Home Office during development of its white paper on immigration.

The Scottish Government will shortly publish these proposals online and will write to the UK Government this week to call for meaningful discussions.

To date, there has been no substantive engagement from the Home Office on any of the policy proposals contributed by the Scottish Government during the development of the White Paper.

Holyrood to debate Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults bill today

This week parliament will debate and vote on the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults bill (writes Labour Lothians list MSP FOYSOL CHOUDHURY). 

In the run up to vote, I have endeavoured to engage with organisations both for and against the bill and hear the views of constituents. 

After having considered my position, I will be voting against the bill.

The bill uses a broad definition of terminal illness which would include people with disabilities and those with years to live.

This has been raised by constituents and disabled people’s groups as sending the message that their lives are less valuable and opening them to potential coercion. These concerns are compounded by experiences in other jurisdictions, which have seen the law widened following legal challenges.

I am also concerned that assisted dying would place undue pressure on terminally ill people to end their lives as to not be a burden on their families, and do not believe proposed safeguards protect against this. 

I understand some may be disappointed, this has been a difficult decision to make. 

In any case, our priority should be ensuring every person can access palliative care, and those with terminal illnesses are well supported. 

SUPPORTERS of law change on assisted dying from across Scotland have gathered outside the Scottish Parliament this morning in a powerful demonstration to show their support for Liam McArthur MSP’s Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill as it progresses through Parliament.

Organised by Dignity in Dying Scotland, the event will bring together individuals living with terminal illnesses, bereaved families, and supporters of end-of-life choice. The demonstration will feature placards, and speeches, to demonstrate the groundswell of support for law change in Scotland and symbolise the lives affected by the current lack of assisted dying legislation.

The demonstration takes place on the same day MSPs will be voting at Stage 1 on the Bill, which would give mentally competent, terminally ill adults the right to request assistance to end their lives, introducing oversight and regulation where none currently exists. Polling consistently shows overwhelming public support in Scotland for a change in the law, with 78% backing the proposal.

Ally Thomson, Director of Dignity in Dying Scotland, said: “It is the voices of dying Scots and those who have watched a loved one endure a harrowing death that are at the centre of this bill. Their message to MSPs is clear – it’s time to deliver compassion, safety and choice for people facing a bad death.

“This demonstration is about showing the human cost of the suffering caused by the current blanket ban on assisted dying —a cost that is simply too much for dying people, and their family and friends to bear.

“This Stage 1 vote could be a milestone moment  – putting comfort, choice and safety in place of pain and fear. We urge Parliament to listen to the voices of dying people and take this historic step.”

The demonstration will reassemble from 6pm to react to the outcome of the Stage 1 vote, expected around 7pm,

New fund to prevent homelessness

Cash-first approach to keeping tenants in their homes

A partnership programme to help prevent people from becoming homeless has been launched by the Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville. This is in addition to the £4 million investment in homelessness prevention pilots in 2025-26 highlighted by the First Minister in the Programme for Government.

The £1 million Upstream Homelessness Prevention Fund will bring together Registered Social Landlords (RSLs), third sector organisations, community groups and other local partners to expand on existing successful approaches to preventing homelessness and explore innovative ways to sustain tenancies.

Partnerships funded by the programme will receive a cash fund for individual payments of up to £1,300 to help prevent people becoming homeless. The year long programme will also help to inform how RSLs will carry out the new Ask and Act prevention duties outlined in the Housing Bill currently progressing through Parliament.

The Scottish Federation of Housing Associations and Homeless Network Scotland will administer the Scottish Government funded scheme which is open for applications.

Ms Somerville said: “The aim of the fund is to break the cycle of repeat homelessness by providing targeted joined-up support for people struggling to pay their rent while also having to navigate housing, health and social care services.

“This early intervention approach will help to minimise evictions by upstream prevention activity and identifying opportunities to build up support systems where they are needed. This will help people to keep their tenancies and prevent them from becoming homeless.

“The scheme will also provide valuable feedback for the wider RSL network and provide examples of service design and delivery that can be replicated in other places and contexts.”

Scottish Federation of Housing Associations Chief Executive Sally Thomas said: “We are delighted to administer this important funding, which will complement the significant efforts housing associations make to help people remain in their homes. 

“This could include providing direct cash interventions to those facing financial difficulties, or forming local partnerships to make use of shared spaces and staff to create joined-up approaches to homelessness prevention.

“Beyond the funding, this programme will also provide vital insights on the support needed to help people at risk of homelessness and inform future approaches to partnership working to deliver the Ask and Act duty.”

Homeless Network Scotland Chief Executive Maggie Brunjes said: “Housing associations and third sector organisations are ideally positioned to prevent homelessness by delivering early, community-focused interventions.

“This Scottish Government funding will support local partnerships, enabling tailored solutions that tackle material hardship and leverage community resources to help people remain in their homes.”

Starmer unveils new plan to ‘end years of uncontrolled migration’

The Prime Minister will today announce an end to Britain’s ‘failed experiment’ in open borders that saw migration soar to one million a year by ensuring people coming here earn the right to stay in the country

  • Migration system will back British workers, boost economic growth and control our borders under the Plan for Change
  • New contributions-based model will extend route to settlement from five to 10 years – with reductions for those who contribute to economy
  • New English language requirements across all immigration routes to promote integration

The Prime Minister will today announce an end to Britain’s ‘failed experiment’ in open borders that saw migration soar to one million a year by ensuring people coming here earn the right to stay in the country.

Speaking at a press conference ahead of today’s (Monday 12 May) publication of the Immigration White Paper, the Prime Minister will say that living in this country is a privilege that must be earned.

New immigration rules will reduce reliance on overseas recruitment, prioritise those who contribute to Britain’s economy and put more money in the pockets of working people, the first priority of our Plan for Change.

The new system will end automatic settlement and citizenship for anyone living here for five years.

Instead, migrants must spend a decade in the UK before applying to stay unless they can show a real and lasting contribution to the economy and society. 

Under a new framework to be rolled out high-skilled, high-contributing individuals who play by the rules and contribute to the economy and society would be fast-tracked, such as nurses, doctors, engineers and AI leaders.

The government will also raise English language requirements across every immigration route to ensure those wishing to live and work in the UK speak a higher standard of English.

For the first time this will also extend to all adult dependents by requiring them to demonstrate a basic understanding of English – helping individuals integrate into their local community, find employment and reducing the risk of exploitation and abuse.

The changes are part of the government’s Plan for Change to turn the page on over a decade of decline that saw Britain’s immigration system spiral out of control with record migration numbers, undermining the confidence of working people. 

The Prime Minister will take a ‘new common-sense’ approach, one that backs British workers over cheap overseas labour and links migration policy with skills to boost economic growth.

The full package of radical reforms will be unveiled by the Home Secretary in Parliament later today and builds on action already taken by the government to restore order to the immigration system.

More than 24,000 people with no right to be here have been returned since the election – the highest rate in 8 years – including a 16% increase in foreign national offender removals.

In a press conference today the Prime Minister will announce his overhaul of the broken system, and is expected to say: “For years we have had a system that encourages businesses to bring in lower paid workers, rather than invest in our young people.

“That is the Britain this broken system has created.

“Every area of the immigration system, including work, family and study, will be tightened up so we have more control. Enforcement will be tougher than ever and migration numbers will fall.

“We will create a system that is controlled, selective and fair.

“One that recognises those who genuinely contribute to Britain’s growth and society, while restoring common sense and control to our borders.

“This is a clean break from the past and will ensure settlement in this country is a privilege that must be earned, not a right.

“And when people come to our country, they should also commit to integration and to learning our language.

“Lower net migration, higher skills and backing British workers – that is what this White Paper will deliver.”

The Immigration White Paper comes after net migration reached nearly one million in the year ending June 2023 – four times the levels seen in 2019.

Public services were stretched, housing costs soared, and employers swapped skills investment for cheap overseas labour. In sectors like engineering, apprenticeships almost halved while work visas doubled and communities were asked to absorb record numbers.

Visas have already fallen by 40% since the government took power, but our new approach will go further and faster – reshaping the system around the needs of the economy and fairness for working people.

There will be tougher rules on who can come to work, study or bring family. Every part of the system is being tightened. Backdoor routes to settlement will be closed, enforcement will be stepped up as we end abuse of the system.

Britain will remain open to the best global talent – but the days of mass recruitment to plug avoidable skills gaps will end. New mechanisms will ensure employers wanting visas must show they are investing in British workers and raising skills in this country to boost economic growth. 

The Labour government says it will support businesses to take on British workers through new industry workforce strategies, while introducing much tighter restrictions on recruitment for shortage occupations.

The full package of policies in the Immigration White Paper will be published later today (Monday 12 May).

Overseas recruitment for care workers to end

International recruitment for care workers will end under plans announced by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper

The government’s Immigration White Paper, published in Parliament today, will include the change as the government takes action to bring down historically high levels of net migration.   

Care workers from overseas have made a huge contribution to social care in the UK, but too many have been subject to shameful levels of abuse and exploitation.  

Workers seeking to support the UK’s care sector arrived to find themselves saddled with debt, treated unfairly, or in extreme cases discover the jobs they were promised did not exist.   

In March, the Home Office revealed over 470 care providers had had their licence to sponsor international staff suspended since 2022. Under plans to be outlined today (Monday 12 May), the government will go further and put an end to any more overseas recruitment.

The crackdown on rogue care providers has seen around 40,000 workers displaced, many of whom are ready to rejoin the workforce. They will be given the opportunity to do the jobs they were promised, while long-term plans are drawn up to train homegrown talent into the care sector.  

International workers who are already sponsored to work legally in the sector will be able to continue to extend their stay, change sponsors and apply to settle, including those who need to switch employers following a sponsor licence revocation.

The Labour government says it is committed to tackling these issues and has committed to establishing Fair Pay Agreements which will empower worker, employer and other sector representatives to negotiate improvements in the terms of employment. This builds on the announcement in January of the expansion of the Care Workforce Pathway which will support the adult social care sector to professionalise the workforce.

Together, these measures will move the UK away from a dependence on overseas workers to fulfil our care needs. Baroness Casey has also begun work on an independent commission into adult social care – a once in a generation opportunity to transcend party politics and build consensus on the future of the sector.

The Immigration White Paper, published in full today, is part of government efforts to restore order, control and fairness to the system, bring down net migration and promote economic growth.

Women and Equalities Committee launches new inquiry into Misogyny: the manosphere and online content

Westminster’s Women and Equalities Committee (WEC) yesterday (Friday, 9 May) launched a new inquiry into Misogyny: the manosphere and online content.

The inquiry will explore the prevalence and impact of misogynistic views, attitudes and behaviour among young men and boys, particularly in schools and educational settings and the reasons for this.

It will examine ways that boys and young men are also being harmed and if better support, activities and services need to be available to them. 

MPs on the cross-party Committee, chaired by Labour MP Sarah Owen, will examine evidence of rising misogyny among young men and boys, and the role of social media and online communities, referred to as the ‘manosphere’.

It will also look at how online content and the availability of violent pornography, is contributing to sexist and misogynistic attitudes, behaviour and violence against women and girls both online and offline. 

The inquiry will examine how social media influencers are shaping attitudes towards women and girls and the strategies and interventions needed to address this. 

It will also assess what role social media companies and online platforms are playing in the promotion of misogynistic content and what policies they have in place for deplatforming or demonetising this content. 

WEC held an evidence session on April 29 with Jack Thorne and Emily Feller, executive producers of the hit Netflix drama Adolescence, exploring the impact of toxic online misogyny on young men and boys, as well as the public and political reaction to it. WEC’s predecessor committee held an evidence session in May 2024 on incel culture.

Women and Equalities Committee (WEC) Chair Sarah Owen MP said: “The recent television drama Adolescence brought into sharp political and public focus the burgeoning issue of misogynistic views and behaviour among young men and boys and the questions over its prevalence, particularly in schools and educational settings. 

“With young people spending significant amounts of time online, the Committee want to conduct a timely assessment of the drivers for such attitudes, as well as explore the complex interplay with social media content, the online manosphere and violent pornography.        

“This inquiry will examine what more could be done both on and offline to address these trends, and also feeds into WEC’s wider scrutiny of Government work to tackle violence against women and girls.”

Terms of reference

The Committee invites written submissions through the inquiry website addressing any or all of the issues raised in the following terms of reference by Friday, 6 June 2025.

  • How prevalent are misogynistic views, attitudes and behaviour among young people today, particularly in educational settings? What examples are there of these views, attitudes and behaviours? In what other settings are such behaviours prevalent? 
  • How is content on social media and online, such as violent pornography, contributing to sexist and misogynistic attitudes and behaviour and violence against women and girls both online and offline? 
  • How are social media influencers shaping attitudes towards women and girls? 
  • What role are social media companies and online platforms playing in the promotion of misogynistic content?  
  • Who is gaining financially from the marketisation of misogyny online, and how? What policies do social media companies have in place for deplatforming or demonetising this content and are they enforced? 
  • What strategies and interventions are needed to address misogyny among young people?

First Minister’s cost of living guarantee

The Scottish Government’s cost of living guarantee will help to deliver vital support for the people of Scotland, First Minister John Swinney has said.

The Programme for Government 2025-26 commits to a range of measures which will help households in a challenging economic climate.

The cost of living guarantee includes:

  • Lower income tax than in England for the majority of workers
  • Continuation of free prescriptions and free eye appointments
  • Free bus travel for 2.3 million people 
  • Scottish undergraduate students will continue to pay no tuition fees
  • Funded childcare hours, which would otherwise cost families more than £6,000 a year per eligible child.
  • Free school meals, which save the average family who take up the offer £400 per child per year, will be expanded, and more breakfast clubs introduced.
  • Winter fuel payments restored for Scottish pensioners in 2025-26 

The Programme for Government also committed to scrapping peak rail fares for good from September.

The First Minister said: “This Scottish Government will always do what it can to deliver the best deal for the people of Scotland.

“Our cost of living guarantee is delivering real savings for hard-pressed households across the country and it goes further than any package offered in the rest of the UK.

“These policies are already saving people money year on year, in the form of free prescriptions, free bus travel and more. This year we will go even further, funding the restoration of winter fuel payments for every pensioner in Scotland after they were abandoned by the UK Government. 

“And from September, we will be scrapping peak rail fares for good – delivering a better deal for commuters.

“I know that too many people are still struggling during the cost of living crisis and that is why my government is taking action to keep more money in people’s pockets during tough times.”

Starmer galvanises ‘Coalition of the Willing’

PRIME MINISTER KEIR STARMER’s WORDS AT KYIV PRESS CONFERENCE

Volodymyr, friends, it is a real pleasure to be here in Kyiv with you all. With Emmanuel, with Friedrich, and with Donald. 

This is Europe, stepping up, showing our solidarity with Ukraine, and also showing during this week when we mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day that we understand the lessons of history.

The lesson that any veteran of Normandy, of North Africa or any other campaign will tell you but that Putin has not yet grasped:

There is no glory in aggression and conquest – glory comes from fighting for your country, defending your people, and winning the peace. 

And that is the message of this moment.

Volodymyr, we stand with you to secure the just and lasting peace that Ukraine deserves. 

It’s almost two months now since you agreed to an immediate 30-day ceasefire. In that time Russia has launched some of the most deadly attacks on civilians of the entire war. Including here in Kyiv.

Normal lives, homes, families destroyed.

This is what Russia offers in place of peace along with delays and smokescreens – like the current 72 hour ceasefire.

And so all of us here – together with the US – are calling Putin out.

If he’s serious about peace then he has a chance to show it now – by extending the VE Day pause into a full, unconditional 30-day ceasefire with negotiations to follow immediately, once a ceasefire is agreed.

No more ifs and buts. No more conditions and delays. Putin didn’t need conditions when he wanted a ceasefire to have a parade. And he doesn’t need them now. 

Ukraine has shown their willingness to engage again and again. But again and again Putin has refused.

So we are clear – all five leaders here, all the leaders of the meeting we just had with the Coalition of the Willing – an unconditional ceasefire rejecting Putin’s conditions. And clear that if he turns his back on peace, we will respond. 

Working with President Trump, with all our partners, we will ramp up sanctions and increase our military aid for Ukraine’s defence to pressure Russia back to the table. 

And that’s what we have been discussing today – as well as securing Ukraine’s future for the longer term.

Convening the latest meeting of the Coalition of the Willing with partners joining virtually from around Europe and across the world – lining up to support Ukraine’s future strength and security, discussing operational plans and making concrete commitments of support across land, air and sea.

We want to help Ukraine look to the future with confidence – so we’re working to boost Ukraine’s economy.

And as a vital step, I’m pleased that UK experts have been on the ground leading work to support the resumption of flights into Ukraine, once a ceasefire is achieved. 

It will take time – but this will be a huge moment in reconnecting Ukraine’s economy, boosting investor confidence, and helping to reunite families separated by this war. 

Ukraine secure and thriving – that is what we all want to see.

With our 100-year partnership, the Critical Minerals deal with the US, and our Coalition of the Willing, we are building the framework for peace in Ukraine to support a better future for the Ukrainian people.

And to pledge once again, in our all interests, and on this anniversary, that aggression will never prevail on our continent.

Thank you.

Dignity in Dying Scotland: Response to First Minister’s position on Assisted Dying Bill

Responding to the First Minister’s comments on Liam McArthur MSP’s Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill,  Ally Thomson, Director of Dignity in Dying Scotland said: “I am disappointed that the First Minister will not be voting to progress Liam McArthur’s Bill.

“I know, and appreciate that he took the time to speak with dying people who are desperate for this choice, and to families who had watched someone suffer a painful death.  I believe him when he says it was not an easy decision to reach. 

“The sad truth is that if MSPs were to vote against extending safe and compassionate choice to dying Scots many more terminally ill people will suffer and the harm created by the blanket ban on assisted dying will persist.

“Doing nothing is the worst thing Parliament can do here.  With people going to Switzerland, stopping eating and drinking and taking matters into their own hands its clear that assisted dying is happening in Scotland right now – but in unsafe, unregulated and unkind ways.

“I value the First Ministers comments that his vote is on a personal basis, and he does not seek to influence others decision on this.

“I am optimistic that Tuesday’s vote will bring a breakthrough for terminally ill Scots who are desperate for more choice. The mood of the Parliament seems to have caught up with the views of the vast majority of Scottish people – that it is time for a more compassionate and safe law.”